Looking at a one-year reflection

"Don't ever forget that you're a citizen of this world, and there are things you can do to lift the human spirit, things that are easy, things that are free, things that you can do every day. Civility, respect, kindness, character."

— AARON SORKIN

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I try to find a quote every month that reflects something to do with my everyday life or the life of the people around me. The above brings me back to one year ago, this last month, as we entered into the global health crisis with COVID-19 and coronavirus becoming new words in our vocabulary.

As I reflect over these unique last 12 months, I have seen our community come together with civility, respect, kindness and character, and know that we will all get through this together. Of course, we still have to remember the heartache of the loss of life, lingering illness, quarantining and isolation and the hate and inequity that was brought on during this time.

I think the hardest part for me had been the question of when, will we, be able to return to some type of normal. Our daily routines, our fear of the unknown and will we ever be able to gather together and give hugs and feel the warmth of kindness!

I think in the very beginning of our lockdown, I felt reminded of the time of total insecurity during the 2007/2008 economic crash, where homes were foreclosed on, jobs disappeared, savings accounts were depleted, and the consequences were not only local but international. We seemed to come through those events with resilience and adapted to the changes just like we have done this last year.

Slowly, we have been able to get back to things we love doing and seeing people we love in person without a barrier between us.

To get to know a little more about the Hayden Chamber, I looked back at last years membership graphs and saw tremendous growth in January, February and the first few weeks of March. Then the pandemic hit and April and May saw no new members as the world put out the CLOSED sign. As we opened back up, slowly the community came forward to again keep the chamber thriving. We have continued to grow and in February we had eight new members, 13 renewals and in-person ribbon cuttings.

Thank you for continuing to trust in us to support you and your businesses. Let's try to not lose sight of our values and visions for the future.

Don't forget you are a citizen of this world.

Our first event this year was Wednesday, Feb. 10 — Sip, Sample & Savor. Wine, Chocolates & Charcuterie. We were so excited to have a great turnout to see everyone back out in the community enjoying a night out. Thanks again to LiveforBlu for hosting us at their business. The food, provided by M&M Event & Party Planning, was amazing and Keanu's music gave the room a magical touch. We also said thank you again to our outgoing President Wayne Cofield and presented him with a gift certificate and a clock for his service to our chamber.

Our February virtual breakfast featured our wonderful Mayor, Steve Griffitts, who shared with us the "State of the City." Always great to hear what is going on in our area and the new things that are happening.

Watch for our April Breakfast meeting to be live in person on April 22 at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn and also virtual on Facebook Live or YouTube.

We are thrilled to be offering our Chamber After Hours events again. Watch our Newsletter and Facebook page for upcoming details.

SAVE THE DATE: Hayden Chamber of Commerce presents our first Bacon, Bloodys & Brews Festival on Wednesday, May 19 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Stateline Speedway. Contact the Chamber to become a Chef or for more details.

Here's to hoping March quickly goes out like a lamb and we can say “Hello April.” May it be a month of rebirth, regrowth and renewal.

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Andrea Fulks is the executive director for the Hayden Chamber of Commerce.